New faces urged to try lifelong learning
U3A membership drive
The Perth branch of the U3A has been joining in this week’s first ever UK wide profile-raising bid by the national‘lifelong learning’ organisation.
The national event was centred on Wednesday’s U3A Day, but Perth will pitch its publicity efforts with a stall at the South Inch Farmer’s Market on Saturday, June 5.
The local self-schooling group for the retired and semi-retired has provided a social lifeline for its members during the COVID pandemic.
“The U3A always offers companionship,” said Perth committee chair Robert Proctor.
“I have met a lot of new people and I have had the chance to do some things I have never done before.
“Now we are trying to attract some new people, mainly amongst those who are just retiring, to keep it going into the future.”
When COVID social distancing rules were relaxed, a number of the walking groups got back together to enjoy exploring the countryside.
But for most, the classes were still online with Zoom. Seventy per cent of the classes continued in this way.
Online link-ups gave members confined to their homes the chance to talk with the friends they had made before COVID struck, and discuss the learning interests they shared.
The U3A boasts a British base of almost half a million people.
The Perth group has grown from 34 strong in 1985 to around 420 today.
But inevitably during the past two years there has been a drop in interest.
“We lost about 100 members,” commented secretary David Combe.
“And we have commitments such as accommodation rentals which can only be met by membership subscription. So we have got to increase our membership.”
‘Something for everyone’ is the U3A claim.
There are book groups language groups arts, science sports and philosophy - 74 groups in all. There are four Tai Chi classes, to meet the demand.
Zoom opened up a worldwide input to monthly open meetings.
On Saturday at the Farmers’ Market in Perth the objective is to let people know not just what is on offer but how they can take part.
“We have banners, leaflets and people there to answer questions,” explained event organiser Bob Thomson.
More information is on the Perth U3A website https://u3asites.org.uk/ perth/welcome and on its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ groups/542657559966949
Class registration this year will be on August 23. Details will be on the website at the beginning of that month.